It's a city in crisis – but with potential for a big comeback. Despite an ailing auto industry and the highest jobless rate in the nation, Detroiters are determined to make their hometown thrive once again. For the next year, CNNMoney will focus on that challenge.

I've hosted more than 300 concerts at Chene Park, but the magic never goes away. The whole city buzzes with excitement the night of a show. The amphitheater is situated right on the river, so people can park their boats right next to the stage. The front-row seats are so close that fans can almost reach out and touch the artist.

Everyone comes together at Chene Park. It's a lot of diversity right in the heart of the city. It's boosted by a lot of pent-up energy, because we have such long and gruesome winters. We love any opportunity to do something outside, and trust me, this is a music town. Motown was just the start of it.

Why I love Detroit: I was planning to stay three years for a job, and instead I've been here 15. Detroit gets a bad rap; media find the one burned-out house or the one guy with no teeth. I'm not in denial; we have a lot of issues. But some of us are middle-class and well-educated, and we stay.

I love this community. There are people here trying to save the city. I stay here for them, because I know I have a big voice here. Someone needs to speak for the people who are excited about the future of this city. That excitement is infectious.